China witnessed a record 20% decline in marriages last year, raising alarms over its declining population. Economic challenges have deterred couples from marrying, with registrations falling to 6.1 million. The government is implementing measures to encourage marriage and family formation, but birth rates remain a concern amid an aging populace and rising divorce rates.

Marriages in China experienced an unprecedented decline, dropping by 20% last year, the steepest decrease on record. This decline occurred despite various government initiatives aimed at encouraging marriage and parenthood to address the nation’s shrinking population. Economic factors, including high childcare costs and stagnating job markets, continue to hinder young couples’ willingness to marry and start families.

According to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, roughly 6.1 million couples registered for marriage last year, a stark decrease from 7.68 million the prior year and less than half of the 13.47 million recorded in 2013. Yi Fuxian, a demographer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, remarked on the urgency of this situation, indicating the potential long-term impacts on government ambitions.

Chinese authorities are increasingly concerned about declining marriage rates and birth rates, especially with the nation’s aging population, which presently stands at approximately 1.4 billion. Previous shifts in policy, such as the one-child policy from 1980 to 2015, along with urbanization, have further exacerbated this demographic crisis. Over the next ten years, around 300 million individuals are due to retire, underscoring the need for solutions.

In response, authorities implemented strategies including promoting “love education” in universities to foster positive sentiments toward marriage and family. In November of the previous year, the state council directed local governments to allocate resources to address population issues and promote childbearing. Despite a slight increase in births coinciding with the upcoming Chinese zodiac year of the dragon, the overall population still declined for the third consecutive year.

The divorce rate also rose, with over 2.6 million couples filing for separation last year, reflecting broader societal trends. Collectively, these indicators present a challenging scenario for the Chinese government in addressing demographic sustainability.

In summary, China recorded a historic decline in marriage rates due to high living costs and economic uncertainties, prompting urgent concerns about population decline. Efforts by the government to promote marriage and childbirth have yet to yield significant results, and projections suggest a demographic crisis. Continued monitoring and strategic intervention will be essential to address these pressing challenges effectively.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com

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